Page 58 of The Rules We Broke
The moment we stepped out, I excused myself and slipped into the ladies’ room.
Emotion weighed me down, so it was all I could do to step through the door. That was about as far as I got before I had to take several deep breaths to compose myself.
“Please, God,” I said in silent prayer, resting my forehead against the cool wall, “Don’t take her from me.”
He didn’t respond, but I refused to let that hold any sway. I had to hope she would come out of this.
Then I looked in the mirror. No raccoon eyes, thankfully, but I still had puffy bags under my eyes.
I touched up my makeup—for Aunt Lu, of course. Her voice sounded in my head, crisp and commanding:“Pull yourself together, darling.”
The thought made me smile. What would she think of Brady being here?
A week ago, I would’ve sworn I knew the answer. Now? I wasn’t so sure.
Once I could breathe at a normal pace again—and had triple-checked my makeup—I walked back into the waiting room.
Brady rose like the gentleman he’d always been. He smiled at me—quiet, warm—and I couldn’t help but smile back as I sat next to him.
Without hesitation, he took my hand. I knew I shouldn’t allow it. Knew it sent the wrong message. Knew he wanted me back—and that I wanted that, too. But I also knew it could never work.
Still, I was selfish today. I needed comfort. I neededhim.
“Brady, thank you.”
“For what?”
“For letting me stain your shirt.”
“Anytime, Ellie.”
We didn’t speak for a while.
I stared at the clock. It may as well have been painted on the wall—it wasn’t moving. I tried flipping through a magazine, scrolling through my inbox. Nothing stuck. I was sick with worry.
“Do you want me to get you something to eat?” Brady asked.
“I couldn’t eat right now, but thank you. Please, if you’re hungry, go. I hate that you’re wasting your day here.”
He looked at me as if I were absurd.
“Are you kidding me? This is the best day I’ve had in a long time.”
“You’re such a liar, Brady Jackson.”
He released my hand, ran his fingers gently through my hair, then stroked my cheek. “I’m sorry your aunt isn’t well. But Ellie—spending the day with you, even in a hospital, is more than I could ask for.”
I didn’t know how to respond.
I knew what Iwantedto say. That I loved him. That I wanted to spend every day with him. But I couldn’t say it. Because he washim.And I wasme.
“Brady . . . ”
“Ellie . . . ”
“Can I ask you a question?” The words slipped out before I could shape them properly.
He raised an eyebrow, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “You can ask me anything, Ellie.”
